Many major networks and creators have spoken out against YouTube’s revenue-sharing model. Creators typically take 55 percent of the cut of revenue from ads on their videos, while YouTube owner Google keeps the rest. Variety reported last month networks feel they need to work with different distributors "and cannot exclusively rely on YouTube for anything but the lowest-cost video-blogger-type material."

Maker has also been looking for ways to generate revenue from videos beyond Google's ads, Kafka reports. Blip's sales team should boost Maker's sales efforts. Blip CEO Kelly Day is expected to leave, though Maker plans to keep most Blip staff and keep it alive as a distinct brand.

It seems Maker plans to shift at least some of its content to Blip. (The network did not respond to a request for comment.) Just how much it will move remains unclear. It's hard to see Maker completely ditching YouTube, at least for the time being.

Many of its creators have millions of subscribers who generate revenue as they watch videos. It's hard to guess how many of Kjellberg's 12.2 million YouTube subscribers would make the jump to Blip, for instance, so a sudden shift would leave money on the table while creators build their communities there.